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MFGA eBulletin - December 2019
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From the Desk of MFGA Executive Director
It's getting around that special time of year where we reflect on our successes, remember our challenges, respect our losses and celebrate our partnerships. With that, I share my last post for 2019 in a kudos, congratulations, condolences and thanks format.
Kudos to...
* Chris Martin (chair) & Cedric MacLeod (executive director) of the Canadian Forage & Grassland Association and to Ray Frey (chair) & Sean Goertzen (general manager) of the Manitoba Conservation Districts Association (MCDA) for hosting awesome annual meetings and conferences. I attended them both, and there is no doubt in anyone's mind that conservation and agriculture - and that's ALL agriculture, not sector silos - are more harmonious than ever.
* The Manitoba Government's Conservation Trust and GROW Watershed Trust that are for helping lead that harmony and collaboration. In 2020, these trusts will be bolstered by the realignment of the MCDA into the Manitoba Watershed Districts Association. Kudos to all involved in that effort.
Congratulations to...
* The MFGA Board of Directors, members and staff for an outstanding 2019 Regenerative Agriculture Forum in Brandon. Feedback on our second-ever event has been incredibly positive. Our 2020 MFGA Regen Ag event promises to be bigger and bolder.
* Our soil and forage-minded colleagues led by Nora Paulovich in Alberta who sold out 500 chairs months ahead of the Western Canada Conference on Soil Health & Grazing in Edmonton next week. Well done, Nora and team.
* The Van Steelandt Family's Triple V Ranch near Melita, Mb for winning the 2019 Turtle Mountain CD Award. Son Matt is a MFGA Board Member. Congrats to all the other MCDA winners from various CD's as well.
* Former MFGA and CFGA Board member Henry Nelson for the MFGA's nomination for the CFGA's 2019 Forage Leadership Award. Henry crafted a superb career within Manitoba's forage sector, including valuable volunteer work and key leadership with both MFGA and CFGA. The 2019 CFGA national winner was Lillie Ann Morris, a well-deserving, well-known forage and grassland champion for Canada. MFGA extends our congratulations to Lillie Ann!
Condolences to...
* Pam Iwanchysko, our friend, colleague and MFGA board member, and her family. We are thinking of you all during these sad times.
Thank you to...
* Every single one of you. You are a key part of MFGA. We can't be MFGA without you and your support. We work every single day on your behalf on partnerships, consultations and projects that are important to you. We are honoured and privileged to do so. Let's kick it up a notch in 2020! We wish all of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and the very best personal health and farm prosperity in 2020.
Muchos grasses,
Duncan Morrison,
MFGA Executive Director
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December Hay Situation and Price Update
John McGregor, MFGA Hay Expert, spoke with Manitoba Agriculture livestock staff, forage producers and industry personnel to get their impression of hay prices and the hay situation.
Read the report here.
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Alfalfa doesn't need fall potassium fertilizer
Did the headline of this article catch your attention? "Alfalfa doesn't need fall potassium fertilizer application to aid winter hardiness in Minnesota, research shows" -most certainly caught my attention. I'd even say it was written to provide a shock factor, similar to many headlines we see in media today. But does it apply to Manitoba...read more...
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MASC Develops Harvest Challenge FAQ's
Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) has developed a frequently asked questions document for producers to assist with the challenges Manitoba producers are facing this harvest year. Producers are also encouraged to contact their local MASC insurance office or visit masc.mb.ca.
For the FAQ document, click here
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Ag Action Manitoba Program for Farmers Assurance: Beneficial Management Practices
Ag Action Manitoba provides funding that will help farmers implement and adopt beneficial management practices (BMP) on their farm identified in their Environmental Farm Plan. To learn more about the funding available for farmers,
click here.
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New branch-rooted alfalfa cultivar hits the market
It's been 30 years in the making, but a new branch-rooted alfalfa cultivar that is tolerant to both drought and excessive moisture is now available in Canada. Bred by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) plant breeder Yousef Papadopoulos at the Nappan Research Station in Nova Scotia, the is AAC Trueman is late flowering, winter hardy, and a more resilient alfalfa in extreme weather conditions, which will help farmers grow a stronger, higher quality of hay, silage and forage for animal grazing. Read the article
here
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Manitoba Farm Safety Program: Farm Safety Tip
When carrying bales with your tractor, carry them low, especially on an incline. You should always be sure your line of sight is looking over the bale.
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Producer Events & News
Young Agrarians is headed to Manitoba! Aspiring and new farmers in Manitoba have some exciting opportunities to grow businesses around communities that care about where their food comes from. At the same time they face a lot of challenges gaining skills, accessing land and acquiring the finances to get started.
Registration is open! Theme: Our Future is in the Soil. Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel West Edmonton.
Attend a seminar in your area! This annual event provides insight on markets, forage and livestock management to help increase your productivity and bottom line.
This show is an annual three-day exposition of agriculture production expertise, technology and equipment that attracts exhibitors and visitors from across Canada and the United States of America. Held at the Keystone Centre, the speaking program will take place throughout the three-day event in the FCC and MNP theatres.
Held at the Victoria Inn, this meeting is an opportunity for beef producers or those in the feedlot sector to engage with MBP directors and fellow producers, debate issues that affect your bottom line, and debate topics which will impact the future of your industry. Early Bird special before Jan 7, 2020: $85 (includes banquet).
Sustainable Grain will host this two-day regenerative educational workshop focussed on the health of your soil - with a mindfulness component for clarity and stress reduction. Alongside learning about the importance of economics and ecology in growing food, this workshop will include amazing food, time for networking, reflection, and fun with new friends.
Forage seed growers, researchers, extension staff and agribusinesses will congregate at the Fantasyland Hotel which is attached to the West Edmonton Mall. The goal of this conference is to unite the industry throughout Canada and increase awareness and interest in forage seed production. With the current challenges in Canadian grain markets, we have a great opportunity to increase awareness of the benefits of incorporating forage seed crops into any cropping system.
Attend this conference to: gain new insight from women across Canada; tweak your skills to better communicate, manage your finances, advocate and lead; recognize stress and integrate self-care into your daily routine; build your network and community by meeting women as passionate about agriculture as you are.
Register online. Discounts before Jan 4, 2020.
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